The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-02-05
Washington News and Gossip.
From our Special Correspondent.

From our Special Correspondent.
.4.' WAsmNGToN. ID. C., Jan. 81. 'S7.
MIR. EDITOR: Seldom has the general public
manifested so active an interest in the proceed
ings of the Supreme Court OF the United States
rs during the progress of the argument in the
telephone cases during the past week. This was
more especially noticeable on Thursday, ut which
time Mr.. Lysander Hill began his argument for
the Overland and Peoples companies. The
room was mcomfortaby crowded with curious
spectators, every available space being occupied,
while within the rail was assembled an arrry of
legal talant such as is seldom congrCgatcd in IL
court of justice. Prof Elisha Gray, of Chicago,
and Prof. Bell and his father were present dur
Ing the argument, and took an active interest in
the proceedings. Mr.. Hill asserted that Prof.
Bell had, during the time that his application for
patent was upon file in the Patent ONCE,
surrepttiously obtained knowledge of the con-
tents of a caveat filed by Prof. Elisha Gray, and
had changed the specifications so as to include
Prof. GTay's invention as his own. The sensa-
tiOn created by this charge of fraud, duplicating
moi emily the integrity of Prof. Bell, but rcquir-
ing confirmation that government officials should
have violated their sworn duties of office, can
well be imagined. Mr.. Hill was, however, inter
rupted in his argument by Justice Miller, who
announced that under the rules no patent could
be attacked for fraud in the Supreme Court unless
such issue had been made in the courts below.
The discussion which followed is said to have
constituted the most brilliant legal skirmish which
has ever taken place within the Supreme Courts
chamber. The prevailing opinion is that the
charges OF fraud have been greatly shaken ifnot
overthrown, and that Il great point has been
scored for the Bell Company
The agricultural experimental station bill was
passed by the Senate on Thursday. The bill
directs the establishment Of an agricultural
experiment station" at each of the State agrlcul-
tuITl colleges, and approprates the annual sum
OF $4,000 for the maintenance of each OF such
stations. The objects and duty OF the stations is
to conduct original researches and experiments
on the physiology of plant and animals and ihe
diseases to which they are scyerally subject, and
such other experiments bearing directly upon
the agricultural industry as may be deemed
advisable" ...,
Since the death of General Logan his former
chair and desk in the Senate chamber have been
heavily draped with Grape. On Wednesday his
successor, Senator Farwsll, was introduced by
lts colleague and sworn ie gts member OF the
Senate. The mourning. badgcs were remoyed
from the Logan seat.
7 Notwithstanding the, widely published and
Very generally accepted statement TO the effect
that the remains of General Logan will eventually
be removed TO Chicago for burial, it now appears
that there is possibility OF a change being made
IN the original plans, The vestry,of Rock Greek
parish have rendered to Mrs Logan cla1iee lot
in the Rock Creek cemetery, where the remains
nov repose ~ Il beautiful private vault, The
eeWetery is located about two miles from the city
limits, and is in rcalitya church yard upon a
large scale. The grounds are elevated and dry,
with many beautiful outlooks. The moss grown
English brick. church standing within the enclos-
ure was built In l726, and is one of the oldest
buildings now standing in this vicinity. Il is
claimed that the cemetery Is the largest and
most highly improved church yard in the world
The intrusion OF uninyitcd guests at society
entertainments I'm Washington has during the
past year or two been the source of much annoy
anoe to persons having such entertainments In
charge. This nuisance reached the climax at
the Chinese Minister'S ball, which was held at
the legation residence on Wednesday evening.
Although but 70n tickets of invitation had been
issued, more than 1870 crowded themselves into
the apartments. 1t is probable that at all enter
tainments hereafter given, tickets of admission
will be issued, to be presented at the door.
The rejection by the Senate for a second time
OF the nomination. Of Matthews has Occasioned n
great deal Of comment, ana there is much con-
lecture as to the course that the President will
now pursue IN the matter. As vet he has given
no intination MS To his Intentions H.